For those new to driving, I would like to define some of the common annoying driving behaviors. You may hear people yell these terms while driving or telling a story of their vehicular experiences. These behaviors are not only annoying, but dangerous!
- Tailgating – When a driver drives behind another vehicle while not leaving sufficient distance to stop without causing a collision if the vehicle in front stops suddenly. In other words, “Get off my BUTT!”(clean version) By the way, this is illegal is some jurisdictions. Not quite the sports fan definition, I know…. Tailgating accounted for 23% of motor vehicle accidents from 1975 – 2008.
- Road Hog – A motorist who drives recklessly or inconsiderately, making it difficult for others to proceed safely or at a normal speed. In other words, “Driving like a Donkey’s Butt!” (clean version) This person may be a thrill seeker, in a hurry, under the influence of a substance or just plain stupid. Either way they are a danger to themselves and others on the road. Combined, Improper driving, speeding and intoxicated driving accounted for 44% of motor vehicle accidents from 1975-2008.
- Rubberneck – A human trait associated with morbid curiosity. It is the cause of traffic jams, as drivers slow down to see what happened in a crash. This like texting, talking on the phone, disciplining your children, and eating are all forms of distracted driving. Rubbernecking alone, accounts for 16% of all motor vehicle accidents.(1)
Hopefully, the next time you hear these terms used, they aren’t being directed at you.
Keep driving,
Kathleen
(1) Journal of Transportation Technologies, 2014, 4, 116-125
The Sharp Doc 